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Las Vegas is the closest major city to the Grand Canyon, making it one of the most frequent launch points for those visiting the canyon. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon plunges a mile from the rim to the Colorado River below. Las Vegas is a favorite destination for gamblers and those who love lavish stage productions. Visiting both places in one trip is an excellent combination.

Tour the Grand Canyon by Train

Choose among coach, first class, observation car or the luxury parlor while touring Northern Arizona. The first night, you will stay in the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel then enjoy breakfast at Grand Depo Cafe before embarking on a round trip by train to Williams, Arizona, and then on to the Grand Canyon. At the canyon, you will board a coach for a narrated tour of the South Rim. After a night at Maswik Lodge within the national park, you return to Las Vegas via bus.

Tour the Grand Canyon by Air and Motor Coach

Flying out of North Las Vegas Airport, you soar over the Grand Canyon before landing at Grand Canyon Village Airport on the South Rim. From there a motor coach makes several stops at key viewing areas along the canyon, such as Mather Point and Bright Angel Point, offering views from different perspectives. Lodging for both nights is inside the national park, giving you plenty of time to explore on your own. A complimentary meal and a return trip to Las Vegas are included.

Tour by Motorcycle

Choose one of 19 models of motorcycle offered by Vegas Valley Motorcycle Tours and set out to explore Northern Arizona and the Southern Utah wilderness on a guided tour that begins in Las Vegas. You will ride through Kaibab and Dixie national forests, see the Grand Canyon and visit Bryce Canyon on a three-day, two-night road trip covering 750 miles. Park fees, lodging at four-star hotels and breakfasts are included.

Grand Canyon by the Numbers

Declared a national monument in 1908 and a national park in 1919, the Grand Canyon sees over 4 million visitors every year on average. The canyon is 18 miles wide at its widest, 277 miles long and formed over the past 3 million to 6 million years. The Colorado River --- which carved the canyon --- averages 300 feet wide and 40 feet deep with 160 rapids within the canyon, making it a favorite destination for whitewater rafters.

Grand Canyon Life

Five Native American tribes -- Navajo, Paiute, Hopi, Hualapai and Havasupai -- claim the Grand Canyon as their home . California condors live and hunt carrion in and around the canyon. Because human activity attracts these curious birds, you are likely to see one when you visit, but please do not feed or approach them.

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About the Author

Tom Wagner began writing for newspapers and magazines in the L.A. area in 2001. With articles appearing in "California Examiner," "World Reporter," the "Philippine Nurses Monitor" and "Famegate Global News," he currently writes for all three Philippine Media publications in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. His articles focus on food, social issues, travel, sight-seeing, humor, general information, politics and medical matters.

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